Program Format

Program Format

The webinars utilizes a variety of formats depending on the topic. The primary form of delivery is via a web based conferencing system. Participants can listen to the webinar via telephone in addition to web conference system. If you plan to log into the on-line webinar system to view the presentation, listen to audio, chat, access captioning and Video Sign Language Interpreter and/or submit questions it is important that you follow the instructions for checking your computer system to ensure that it is configured correctly and you have the necessary software to access the webinar platform. We recommend that you prepare your technology prior to the session. Depending on your organizational policies you may need the assistance of your IT Staff if firewalls prevent you from downloading files.

What is a Webinar?

A webinar is a presentation, lecture, workshop or seminar that allows you to view
the presentation, chat and speak in real-time over the internet. The online conferencing
system, Blackboard Collaborate, used for AccessibilityOnline
Webinar Series provides the most accessible conferencing and collaboration experience
possible. Individuals can participate in a fully-accessible, online conference from
anywhere that they can access the internet.

What is Closed Captioning?

Closed Captioning is an accessibility feature of Blackboard Collaborate that enables session attendees to transcribe audio information for deaf and hard of hearing attendees while a session is in progress. All of the webinar programs provide Closed Captioning via the Blackboard Collaborate. The transcribed text can be viewed during the live session and in a recording of the session. It can also be saved to a text file.

Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual environment optimized
for learning. Whether you have two learners or two hundred Blackboard Collaborate enables world-class communication, collaboration, and education
that transforms the webinar experience. This technology ensures that all participants
are in sync, regardless of computer platform or Internet connection speed.

In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Blackboard Collaborate provides a variety of features that promote
accessibility, including

Blackboard Collaborate Launcher

Blackboard Collaborate relies on a launcher utility software that provides a convenient and reliable way to run the platform and join our webinars. We
have an overview of the Blackboard Collaborate
installation and there is more detailed instructions available from Blackboard.
Note - on desktop computers Blackboard is dependent on JAVA, which some organizations prohibit. Installing Blackboard Collaborate Launcher or JAVA
may require the assistance of your IT department for proper installation. Blackboard Collaborate Launcher is free to download.

Some of the contents of this website were developed under a grant from the National Institute on Disability,
Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0091-01-00). NIDILRR is a Center within
the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The AccessibilityOnline
program is funded through a contract with the U.S. Access Board. The contents of this page does not necessarily
represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, or U.S. Access Board and you should not assume endorsement by the
Federal Government.